Smart Materials for Architecture and Design Professions

Smart Materials for Architecture and Design Professions

Distinguishing smart materials
Making (drawing) surfaces in architecture and design. The use of materials can be driven in two ways: Materials become the surfaces or structural skin. Materials are thought as an interactive/responsive element Two approaches for classifying materials: Sciences and engineering disciplines Design discipline Within sciences and engineering disciplines, the approach is based on molecular construction, processes, and behavior. Material in the engineering realm are chosen based on what they can do, how they behave, what they can withstand. The physical criteria for the use are first determined, and a material is selected or engineered to provide the best fit or the most acceptable compromise for the specific criteria. In design discipline, we know that designers select material based on the emotion, perception, and aesthetics, not only based on physical requirements. Smart materials An array of physical behaviors: Physical property Processes Use and function An artifact with character: Emotion Perception aesthetics engineering disciplines Design discipline

Classification of smart materials and their input and output stimuli

The introduction of smart materials into architecture poses a challenge to the normative classification system. A smart material may be considered as a replacement for a conventional material in many components and applications, but most smart materials have inherent “active” behaviors, and, as such, are also potentially applicable as technologies. For example, electrochromic glass can be simultaneously a glazing material, a window, a curtainwall system, a lighting control system, or an automated shading system. The product would then fall into many separate categories, rendering it particularly difficult for the architect to take into consideration the multimodal character and performance of the material. Furthermore, many smart materials are introducing unprecedented technologies into the field of design, and are also making more commonplace many technologies, such as sensors, which previously had only limited application in highly specialized functions. Table 1 describes a proposed organization in which smart materials establish a sequential relationship between materials and technologies. The proposed organization also maintains the fundamental focus on application of the traditional classification system.

Interior state energy transfer = material property x change in state
Work Interior state Temperature Pressure density heat State temperature, pressure, density, phase, motion, position… Material property mechanical, thermal, electrical, chemical, optical… Energy transfer work (pressure difference), heat (temperature difference)…

energy transfer = material property x change in state
Independent variable Dependent variable 1.change of state material property 2. energy transfer material property 3. energy transfer energy change 4. energy transfer multiple states 1 2 3 4

Type 1 smart materials – property-changing
CHROMICS OR ‘COLOR-CHANGING’ SMART MATERIALS Photochromics (光致色變)– materials that change color when exposed to light Thermochromics(熱致色變)– – materials that change color due to temperature changes. Mechanochromics (機械色變)– – materials that change color due to imposed stresses and/or deformations. Chemochromics (化學色變)– – materials that change color when exposed to specific chemical environments. Electrochromics ((電致色變)– materials that change color when a voltage is applied. Related technologies include liquid crystals and suspended particle devices that change color or transparencies when electrically activated.

CHROMICS OR ‘COLOR-CHANGING’ SMART MATERIALS Photochromic materials change reversibly colour with changes in light intensity. Usually, they are colourless in a dark place, and when sunlight or ultraviolet radiation is applied molecular structure of the material changes and it exhibits colour. When the relevant light source is removed the colour disappears. Changes from one colour to another colour are possible mixing photochromic colours with base colours. They are used in paints, inks, and mixed to mould or casting materials for different applications. Photochromic materials absorb radiant energy which causes a reversible change of a single chemical species between two different energy states, both of which have different absorption spectra. Photochromic materials absorb electromagnetic energy in the ultraviolet region to produce an intrinsic property change. Depending on the incident energy, the material switches between the reflectively and absorptively selective parts of the visible spectrum. The molecule used for photochromic dyes appears colorless in its unactivated form. When exposed to photons of a particular wavelength, the molecular structure is altered into an excited state, and thus it begins to reflect at longer wavelengths in the visible spectrum. On removal of the ultraviolet (UV) source, the molecule will revert to its original state. A typical photochromic film, for example, can be essentially transparent and colorless until it is exposed to sunlight, when the film begins selectively to reflect or transmit certain wavelengths (such as a transparent blue). Its intensity depends upon the directness of exposure. It reverts to its original colorless state in the dark when there is no sunlight. Photochromic materials are used in a wide range of applications. Certainly we see them used in a wide range of consumer products, such as sunglasses that change their color. In architecture, they have been used in various window or facade treatments, albeit with varying amounts of success, Photochromic materials(光致變色 ) – materials that change color due to light changes.

CHROMICS OR ‘COLOR-CHANGING’ SMART MATERIALS An input of thermal energy (heat to the material alters its molecular structure. The new molecular structure has a different spectral reflectivity than does the original structure; as a result the material’s “color”- its reflected radiation in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum-changes. In architecture and furniture design, the seemingly never ending quest to show the past presence of a person at a particular location or on a piece of furniture has found a new tool for expression. Several of Jurgen Mayer H’s furniture and consumer goods pieces, for example, are sensitive to body heat and show a colored ‘imprint’ of a person who just sat on the furniture. The image fades with time. The notion of using thermochromic materials on the exterior of a building has similarly always aroused interest. Unfortunately, a major problem with the use of currently available thermochromic paints on the exterior is that exposure to ultraviolet wavelengths in the sun’s light may cause the material to degrade and lose its color-changing capabilities. Thermochromics(熱致色變)– materials that change color due to temperature changes. Design: Juergen Mayer H

CHROMICS OR ‘COLOR-CHANGING’ SMART MATERIALS An input of thermal energy (heat to the material alters its molecular structure. The new molecular structure has a different spectral reflectivity than does the original structure; as a result the material’s “color”- its reflected radiation in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum-changes. In architecture and furniture design, the seemingly never ending quest to show the past presence of a person at a particular location or on a piece of furniture has found a new tool for expression. Several of Jurgen Mayer H’s furniture and consumer goods pieces, for example, are sensitive to body heat and show a colored ‘imprint’ of a person who just sat on the furniture. The image fades with time. The notion of using thermochromic materials on the exterior of a building has similarly always aroused interest. Unfortunately, a major problem with the use of currently available thermochromic paints on the exterior is that exposure to ultraviolet wavelengths in the sun’s light may cause the material to degrade and lose its color-changing capabilities. Thermochromics(熱致色變)– materials that change color due to temperature changes. Design: Pu Tai

CHROMICS OR ‘COLOR-CHANGING’ SMART MATERIALS Design experiment: in this simple setup, heated wires are used to generate a specific color change pattern on a thermochromic material. (Antonio Garcia Orozco) Thermochromics(熱致色變)– materials that change color due to temperature changes.

CHROMICS OR ‘COLOR-CHANGING’ SMART MATERIALS Thermochromic ink is mixed with concrete. Nickel chromium wires, which heat up when electric current is passed through them, are set beneath the concrete surface. The area above the wire changes colour when a certain temperature is reached. The arrangement of these wires beneath the concrete allows the display of graphics and information. This technology can be used where under-floor heating is installed, in swimming pools, bathrooms. Information can be displayed on concrete walls in office and public environments. Royal College of Art Innovation Unit Thermochromics – materials that change color due to temperature changes. Chronos Chromos Concrete Designed by Chris Glaister, Afshin Mehin, Tomas Rosen

CHROMICS OR ‘COLOR-CHANGING’ SMART MATERIALS Thermochromic film (liquid crystal) calibrated for 25–30 C. Different colors indicate different temperature levels in the film. Blue is the highest temperature level and black is the lowest Thermochromics – materials that change color due to temperature changes.

CHROMICS OR ‘COLOR-CHANGING’ SMART MATERIALS Mechanochromics have altered optical properties when the material is subjected to stresses and deformations associated with external forces. Many polymers have been designed to exhibit these kinds of properties. The old household device for imprinting raised text onto plastic strips utilizes a plastic of this type. The raised text that results from a mechanical deformation shows through as a different color. Mechanochromics materials– have altered optical properties when the material is subjected to stresses and deformations associated with external forces.

CHROMICS OR ‘COLOR-CHANGING’ SMART MATERIALS Chemochromics include a wide range of materials whose properties are sensitive to different chemical environments. You might perhaps recall the ancient litmus (石蕊) paper in a basic chemistry class. Chemochromic materials are whose properties are sensitive to different chemical environments.

CHROMICS OR ‘COLOR-CHANGING’ SMART MATERIALS Electrochromic電致變色：是指施加一個電壓差而導致物質由原本的透明無色狀態電成有色狀態的過程。這項技術已經該使應用在日常生活之中，如：electrochromin windows，可以提供隱私的生活空間。理論上，這項技術可以應用在平面螢幕上，但是目前這方面(螢幕)的應用並不多，主要原因是過去所使用的材料其反應時間太長，這樣會使螢幕的動作不流暢。目前製造電致變色裝置的方法是使用金屬氧化物薄膜(如：WO3)，金屬氧化物薄膜的一邊是導電玻璃；另一邊是電解質，以及能夠釋放鋰離子(Li+)的鋰金屬(Li)，而行成：導電玻璃─薄膜─電解質─鋰，的三明治夾層結構。導電玻璃負責傳遞帶負電荷的電子，Li主要提供帶正電的鋰離子(Li+)，而電解質則成為傳遞鋰離子(Li+)橋樑。若在導電玻璃施加一負電壓，則電子會注入薄膜(WO3)內，WO3接受了電子後，顏色會變成藍色。隨後，由於整個系統會趨於電中性，所以鋰離子(Li+)會透過電解質而擴散至薄膜內，但是，因為鋰離子的擴散速度緩慢，而限制了電致變色(electrochromic)的反應時間。 Electrochromism is broadly defined as a reversible color change of a material caused by application of an electric current or potential. An electrochromic window, for example, darkens or lightens electronically. A small voltage causes the glazing material to darken, and reversing the voltage causes it to lighten. There are three main classes of materials that change color when electrically activated: electrochromics, liquid crystals and suspended particles. These technologies are not one-constituent materials, but consist of multi-layer assemblies of different materials working together. Fundamentally, color change in an electrochromic material results from a chemically induced molecular change at the surface of the material through oxidation-reduction. In order to achieve this result, layers of different materials serving different ends are used. Briefly, hydrogen or lithium ions are transported from an ion storage layer through an ion conducting layer, and injected into an electrochromic layer. In glass assemblies, the electrochromic layer is often tungsten oxide (WO3). Applying a voltage drives the hydrogen or lithium ions from the storage layer through the conducting layer, and into the electrochromic layer, thus changing the optical properties of the electrochromic layer and causing it to absorb certain visible light wavelengths. In this case, the glass darkens. Reversing the voltage drives ions out of the electrochromic layer in the opposite direction (through the conducting layer into the storage layer), thus causing the glass to lighten. The process is relatively slow and requires a constant current. . Electrochromics (電致色變) materials can be defined as a reversible color change of a material caused by application of an electric current or potential.

CHROMICS OR ‘COLOR-CHANGING’ SMART MATERIALS Electrochromism is broadly defined as a reversible color change of a material caused by application of an electric current or potential. An electrochromic window, for example, darkens or lightens electronically. A small voltage causes the glazing material to darken, and reversing the voltage causes it to lighten. There are three main classes of materials that change color when electrically activated: electrochromics, liquid crystals and suspended particles. These technologies are not one-constituent materials, but consist of multi-layer assemblies of different materials working together. Fundamentally, color change in an electrochromic material results from a chemically induced molecular change at the surface of the material through oxidation-reduction. In order to achieve this result, layers of different materials serving different ends are used. Briefly, hydrogen or lithium ions are transported from an ion storage layer through an ion conducting layer, and injected into an electrochromic layer. In glass assemblies, the electrochromic layer is often tungsten oxide (WO3). Applying a voltage drives the hydrogen or lithium ions from the storage layer through the conducting layer, and into the electrochromic layer, thus changing the optical properties of the electrochromic layer and causing it to absorb certain visible light wavelengths. In this case, the glass darkens. Reversing the voltage drives ions out of the electrochromic layer in the opposite direction (through the conducting layer into the storage layer), thus causing the glass to lighten. The process is relatively slow and requires a constant current. . Electrochromics (電致色變) materials can be defined as a reversible color change of a material caused by application of an electric current or potential.

RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTY-CHANGING MATERIALS The term ‘rheological’ generally refers to the properties of flowing matter, notably fluids and viscous materials. While not among the more obvious materials that the typical designer would seek to use, there are many interesting properties, in particular viscosity, that might well be worth exploring. Many of these materials are termed ‘field-dependent’. Specifically, they change their properties in response to electric or magnetic fields. Most of these fluids are so-called ‘structured fluids’’ with colloidal dispersions that change phase when subjected to an electric or magnetic field. Accompanying the phase change is a change in the properties of the fluid. The changes in viscosity when electrorheological or magnetorheological fluids are exposed to electric or magnetic fields, respectively, can be startling. A liquid is seemingly transformed into a solid, and back again to a liquid as the field is turned off and on. These phenomena are beginning to be utilized in a number of products. An electrorheological fluid embedded in an automobile tire, for example, can cause the stiffness of the tire to change upon demand; thus making it possible to ‘tune’ tires for better cornering or more comfortable straight riding. Some devices that typically require mechanical interfaces, e.g., clutches, might conceivably use smart rheological fluids as replacements for mechanical parts. . Electrorheological (ER) fluids (電流變液) Magnetorheological fluids (磁力流變液) ER demo

RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTY-CHANGING MATERIALS The term ‘rheological’ generally refers to the properties of flowing matter, notably fluids and viscous materials. While not among the more obvious materials that the typical designer would seek to use, there are many interesting properties, in particular viscosity, that might well be worth exploring. Many of these materials are termed ‘field-dependent’. Specifically, they change their properties in response to electric or magnetic fields. Most of these fluids are so-called ‘structured fluids’’ with colloidal dispersions that change phase when subjected to an electric or magnetic field. Accompanying the phase change is a change in the properties of the fluid. The changes in viscosity when electrorheological or magnetorheological fluids are exposed to electric or magnetic fields, respectively, can be startling. A liquid is seemingly transformed into a solid, and back again to a liquid as the field is turned off and on. These phenomena are beginning to be utilized in a number of products. An electrorheological fluid embedded in an automobile tire, for example, can cause the stiffness of the tire to change upon demand; thus making it possible to ‘tune’ tires for better cornering or more comfortable straight riding. Some devices that typically require mechanical interfaces, e.g., clutches, might conceivably use smart rheological fluids as replacements for mechanical parts. . Electrorheological (ER) fluids (電流變液) Using ER fluids to stiffen the blade of a helicopter and damp in vibration

RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTY-CHANGING MATERIALS The term ‘rheological’ generally refers to the properties of flowing matter, notably fluids and viscous materials. While not among the more obvious materials that the typical designer would seek to use, there are many interesting properties, in particular viscosity, that might well be worth exploring. Many of these materials are termed ‘field-dependent’. Specifically, they change their properties in response to electric or magnetic fields. Most of these fluids are so-called ‘structured fluids’’ with colloidal dispersions that change phase when subjected to an electric or magnetic field. Accompanying the phase change is a change in the properties of the fluid. The changes in viscosity when electrorheological or magnetorheological fluids are exposed to electric or magnetic fields, respectively, can be startling. A liquid is seemingly transformed into a solid, and back again to a liquid as the field is turned off and on. These phenomena are beginning to be utilized in a number of products. An electrorheological fluid embedded in an automobile tire, for example, can cause the stiffness of the tire to change upon demand; thus making it possible to ‘tune’ tires for better cornering or more comfortable straight riding. Some devices that typically require mechanical interfaces, e.g., clutches, might conceivably use smart rheological fluids as replacements for mechanical parts. . Magnetorheological (MRF) fluids (磁力流變液)

RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTY-CHANGING MATERIALS 在一九九九年，世界多個國家，如土耳其 (Turkey) 、希臘 (Greece) 和台灣 (Taiwan) ，都發生了多次嚴重的地震 (earthquake) ，不少建築物倒塌，造成人命和經濟的重大損失。美國華盛頓大學 (Washington University) 土木工程學助理教授，迪克 (Shirley Dyke) ，創造了一個可以減低地震震動對建築物結構所造成沖擊的裝置。這個裝置叫做「磁力流變減震器」 (magnetorheological (MR) damper) ，它由三塊夾在一起的金屬板 (metal plates) 所組成，其中外部的兩塊連接到建築物的一端，而中間那塊則連接到另一端。當地震發生時，中間那塊金屬板便會在外部兩塊板之間滑動。在建築物的樓層，會裝置了感應器 (sensor) ，測量震動程度，然後這些資料會傳送到電腦作出分析，計算何時打開減震器來減低震動。減震器中間那塊金屬板塗上了一層磁力流變液 ( magnetorheological fluid) ，當有少許電流通過，它便會轉變成固體。這樣會使三塊金屬板黏貼在一起，減少搖動。整個過程只少於一秒，而當電流停止時，固體又會變回液體。這過程會使震動被抑制，而不能加速傳送到上面的樓層。這個新的防震裝置相當簡單而且不昂貴，只需用一個電池便可以操控。迪克教授已經初步測試過這裝置，發現它可以幫助減低高峰加速 (peak acceleration) 百分之五十。她將會和其他研究人員進一步研究如何把這裝置結合在高層建築物的設計中。 Magnetorheological (MR) fluids (磁力流變液)

CONDUCTING POLYMERS -Electroactive polymers (EAP) There are other polymers whose electrical conductivity is intrinsic. Electroactive polymers change their electrical conductivity in response to a change in the strength of an electrical field applied to the material. A molecular rearrangement occurs, which aligns molecules in a particular way and frees electrons to serve as electricity conductors. Examples include polyaniline and polypyrrole. These are normally conjugated polymers based on organic compounds that have internal structures in which electrons can move more freely. Some polymers exhibit semiconductor behavior and can be light-emitting (see Semiconductors below and Lightemitting polymers in Chapter 6). Electrochemical polymers exhibit a change in response to the strength of the chemical environment present. A number of applications have been proposed for conducting polymers. Artificial muscles have been developed using polypyrrole and polyaniline films. These films are laminated around an ion-conducting film to form a sandwich construction. When subjected to a current, a transfer of ions occurs. The current flow tends to reduce one side and oxidize the other. One side expands and the other contracts. Since the films are separated, bending occurs. This bending can then be utilized to create mechanical forces and actions. . movie

Type 2 smart materials – energy-exchanging
LIGHT-EMITTING MATERIALS Chemoluminescence In chemoluminescence, the excitation comes from a chemical action of one type or another. The lightstick mentioned earlier still provides the best common example of this phenomenon. Particularly interesting here is that chemoluminescence produces light without a corresponding heat output, which is surprising since a chemical reaction is involved. If the temperature of the surrounding heat environment is increased, however, there will be an increase in the reaction time, hence light output, and a reduction in temperature will correspondingly reduce the light output. A subset of chemoluminescence normally called bioluminescence is particularly fascinating because it provides the glow associated with various light-emitting insects, such as fireflies, or fish such as the Malacosteus, which navigates the depths of the sea via its own night light. Consider, for example, the squid that can alter its luminescence to match either moonlight or sunlight. Glowing like blue-green gems, female firefly squid, approximately seven centimeters in length, shed light from around a thousand tiny light-producing organs located in the skin at the ends of their tentacles, around their eyes, and on their bodies (their mantles). It is speculated that this phosphorescence disguises the animal's outline, or perhaps serves to intimidate or confuse potential predators. Other hypotheses for this phenomenon include the theory that the light attracts prey, or alternatively that it serves to distinguish the sexes. female firefly squid

Electroluminescence With electroluminescent materials the source of excitation is an applied voltage or an electric field. The voltage provides the energy required. There are actually two different ways that electroluminescence can occur. The first and typical condition occurs when there are impurities scattered through the basic phosphor. A high electric field causes electrons to move through the phosphor and hit the impurities. Jumps occurring in connection with the ionized impurity cause luminescence to occur. The color emitted is dependent on the type of impurity material that forms the active ions. . Electroluminescent wire Voltage source Electroluminescent strips

Electroluminescence The EL Plywood Desk is a luminous, smart plywood surface that merges lighting with information access and display. The EL Desk is one of many possible applications for energy efficient, smart surfaces that combine the benefits of affordable architectural materials, electrical infrastructure, and furniture. The design uses the layered construction of plywood to integrate sheets of energy efficient, ultra-thin electroluminescent (EL) film in the manufacturing process. EL technology creates a cool light source from flexible polymer films coated with luminescent phosphors that give off light when excited by an electric current. EL and organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) are produced by taking the natural phenomenon of phosphorescence found in many fish, insects, and plants and electrifying it. The energy efficiency, long life, durability, and cool temperature of EL film offer new ways to organize, distribute, and deliver light when integrated within materials. As luminous solid state surfaces replace discrete light fixtures, the infrastructure of artificial lighting merges with information access and display. When light intensity, location, and color can be controlled by computer, architectural materials become dynamic media. . EL Plywood Desk Designed by Kennedy & Violich Architecture

A silent alarm clock, an illuminating, personalised alarm integrated into your bedding that gently wakes you in the most natural way. Ever since the beginning of time light has controlled our body clock telling us when to sleep and when to wake. As lifestyles are rapidly changing with increased travel and demands on our time, people's natural body clocks are out of sync. This pillow and duvet simulates a natural dawn that eases you into your day. Light Sleeper Bedding uses electroluminescent technology allowing traditional textile surfaces to become a reactive light source. The bedding aims to treat sufferers of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) where insufficient levels of daylight cause medical conditions caused by a hormonal imbalance ranging from depression to loss of energy, pre-menstrual syndrome, weight gain and migraines. It is recognised by most scientists that SAD and other sleep/ mood disorders are linked to a shift in the suprachaismatic nucleus or circadian rhythm and often referred to as the ‘body clock’. It is recommended that a bright light stimulus is needed to reset the body clock everyday recognising that this controls our daily sleep/ wake cycle and hormone functions. It uses signals from the sun and bright light to reset these functions, therefore in the winter months our bodies can receive these signals at the wrong time of day or not at all. By using a bright light, 10,000 lux, our bodies reset and the right hormones are released ensuring we feel active and energetic throughout the day with the need to sleep at night. Exposure to intense artificial light suppresses the secretion of the night time hormone melatonin, and may enhance the effectiveness of serotonin and other neurotransmitters. It is believed to be the only way of shifting the circadian rhythm. Research shows that the body’s internal clock only responds to bright light at certain times of day. This peak time in normal people occurs when the circadian rhythm is in R.E.M sleep, which is approximately 1 to 2 hours before waking. This promotes the use of Light Sleeper Bedding and proves it to be one of the most effective products for treating SAD and improving well being as it synchronises our body clock each morning. The bedding is also suitable for those who keep unusual hours and who travel in helping to prevent jet lag and regulate the body clock. Our body clock responds to an imitation sunrise by accelerating the wake-up processes. Research indicates that it is important that the light comes on gradually and that having a light on an on/off time switch will not have the same effect, this is why light sleeper bedding gradually begins to glow in a natural breathing rhythm over a minute period.

Imagine an outsize parasol planted in an African village
Imagine an outsize parasol planted in an African village. By day, it offers shelter from the sun: by night, it sheds light for the local community using the energy collected in solar cells embedded in its canopy. It's clever, it explores a new role for textiles, and it shows concern for the planet. In short: an eco-friendly solution to a pernicious modern problem. Loop.pH realized an initial version of Sonumbra as a responsive play space in Mowbray Park, Sunderland. It is designed to respond to the interplay and activity of the people orbiting the umbrella by casting a sonic shade of light. The atmosphere of musical rhythms, harmonies and luminous patterns are composed by the visitors’ movement - either active or passive. The light emitting fabric of the umbrella is crafted into a lacework of many electroluminescent fibres. This latticed pattern is animated in concert with the generated surround sound and visually illustrates the visitors’ position within the constellation. Wandering unaware or actively gravitating towards Sonumbra each person plays a part and becomes a note in a unique composition of light, sound and space. a sonic shade of light, 2006

Seeing smart materials/technology from design perspective

Chris Glaister, Afshin Mehin, Tomas Rosen
Chronos Chromos Concrete Thermochromic ink is mixed with concrete. Nickel chromium wires, which heat up when electric current is passed through them, are set beneath the concrete surface. The area above the wire changes colour when a certain temperature is reached. The arrangement of these wires beneath the concrete allows the display of graphics and information. This technology can be used where under-floor heating is installed, in swimming pools, bathrooms. Information can be displayed on concrete walls in office and public environments. The innovative use of heating elements and ink allows graphics, words and numbers to be displayed through concrete.

Hanabi http://www.nendo.jp/ Hanabi 2006.04
The heat of the bulb makes this shape-memory alloy lamp "bloom" whenever the light is turned on. "hanabi", the Japanese word for “fireworks”, literally means "flower + fire." Both flowers and fire fade away so quickly and easily. Like its namesake, this light flickers between beauty and disappearance. Bloomroom was a display space for our hanabi lamps, whose shape memory alloy shades "bloom" in response to the temperature of the lightbulb, and our polar table, whose polarizing film makes a floral pattern appear on the surface. We made the floor out of textured artificial turf arranged in a gentle wave so that visitors would have the feeling of experiencing nature underfoot. The illumination in the space changed over time as hanabi lamps arranged at various heights opened and closed randomly. This created an exhibition space with irregularity, one that gently broke down the "regularity" all too common to exhibition spaces.

Designed as a safety device that is attached to skis, Schneelicht-Snowlight provides electrical luminescence that can give orientation to members of a group when they are skiing. This is especially useful during mid-winter with short daylight hours and low visibility. The inherent luminosity makes the skier highly visible even from a great distance. The long electrical strip, integrated onto the top surface of the ski, is powered by a 12V mini-battery, which can be easily recharged after long periods of use. Power automatically flows when the ski boots are inserted into the bindings. Electrical luminescence on skis not only harbours great new innovative potential, but also gives the skis an ethereal quality. "Schneelicht-Snowlight" is a safety light strip that is integrated onto skis, making skiing in dark conditions safer. Designed as a safety device that is attached to skis, "Schneelicht-Snowlight" provides electrical luminescence that can give orientation to members of a group when they are skiing. This is especially useful during mid-winter with short daylight hours and low visibility. The inherent luminosity makes the skier highly visible even from a great distance. The long electrical strip, integrated onto the top surface of the ski, is powered by a mini-battery, which can be easily recharged after long periods of use. Power automatically flows when the ski boots are inserted into the bindings. Electrical luminescence on skis not only harbours great new innovative potential, but also gives the skis an ethereal quality. Schneelicht-Snowlight has been awarded with the Red Dot Design Award concept 2007 in Singapore and the iF material award concept Designer: Falko Jäger / Falko Leonard Industrial Design Made in: Germany

Click images for larger color views.
One of 9 internationally selected projects as part of ATHENS 2004: Catch the Light Olympic program, White Noise / White Light is an interactive sound and light installation which creates a luminous sound-scape within an urban plaza. Sited at the entry to the archaeological sites at the base of the Acropolis, visitors are encouraged to walk through and interact with the sonic field of chest high end-emitting fiber optic strands. The semi-flexible fiber optic strands, arranged in a fading grid, respond to touch and the movement of people through the field. The bending of the fiber optic strands is used to activate a localized light source and hidden speaker. When activated by the passerby, the strands become brighter when bent, creating an afterglow effect in the form of a flickering wake of lights, trailing and tracing visitors as they cross the field. The bending strands also activate a series of hidden speakers which emit an orchestrated sound sampling of the city. This sound-mix of the city, broadcast in the field at all frequencies, overlap and cancel each other out. Experienced collectively, the samples add up to a field of white noise. White noise, like white light, is an aggregation, composed of all possible sounds, just as the white light encompasses all possible colors. The field of white noise creates a unique sound-scape in the city and masks out the noises from the immediate context with the city's own sounds. The genle murmur of White Noise / White Light forms a place of sonic refuge within the bustling city. By sampling the city and representing it in the Light Field / Sound Field, the plazas become an aural microscosm of the city. The sonic and optical landscape creates an interactive field of play in the city. One emerges from this luminescent aural landscape with a heightened awareness of the sounds of the city, allowing participants to truly listen to Athens.

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